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Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2014 15:24:35 GMT
Okay, so there's been a thread on FUCTS about this, but, according to the BBC, Germany is about to introduce charges for all vehicles using their road system with effect from 2016. Now I can't post on FUCTS, but there's been some nonsense posted there about how this plan is illegal under EU law. Regrettably, if the details the BBC posted are correct, then I have to advise anyone interested that it is not illegal under the existing EU Treaties as it will apply to ALL vehicles using the roads in Germany, regardless of whether they are registered locally or foreign, so it will neither be discriminatory nor a restriction on free trade or of goods or services under any of the Treaty Articles. So much so that a similar plan was recently considered for the UK - it was really aimed to catch foreign HGVs who are doing much damage to our roads - but apparently dismissed on the grounds that the costs of implementation would exceed the revenue generated, despite the fact that UK hauliers were all in favour of it. CORRECTION: Thanks to the link Buddha posted on FUCTS, the plan has been implemented in the UK - see HERE.
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Post by fatwelshbuddha on Jul 8, 2014 15:47:19 GMT
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Post by alhod on Jul 9, 2014 5:31:52 GMT
I believe the French are implementing a similar scheme for the N10 (which avid fans will know is the favored route for hgv's from E and P ). I saw some article which said it would be all vehicles over 3.5 t - starting later this year.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2014 6:53:56 GMT
Yes, which is why I added the correction to my original post. I spent too much of my time studying EU Law and how it effects us and neglected keeping up to date with purely UK law. The real point I was making is that the proposed imposition of such a charge by Germany - or the UK for that matter - does not contravene any aspect of EU Law, so that those people who bleat that it is illegal on the grounds of discrimination or a restriction of trade are talking nonsense. You are also correct in practical terms when you say that there is no difference between the German scheme and the Swiss one, however, there is a legal difference; the Swiss are not bound by any of the Articles of the EU Treaties so they can do what they like, even if it were to be discriminatory or a hindrance to trade.
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Post by fatwelshbuddha on Jul 9, 2014 8:32:57 GMT
yes - I agree with the legal position of the Swiss - they have an effective escape clause from many things by not being members of the EU. and it wasn't until 2002 that they joined the UN. lary lot the Swiss....
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Post by prof20 on Jul 9, 2014 10:21:22 GMT
Fiest thread I look at today - and it is soooo serious. This is Fruitcakes! Let's have a bit of levity. THIS is a German road troll!
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